Don’t Overdo It

Some breeds are more active than others, and some like to run, while others like to waddle. Always be aware of both what your breed and your specific dog can handle. If you’re trying to get your own exercise as well, remember that humans are some of the most efficient runners on the planet. Even what’s a light jog for you can be too much for most dogs, and many dogs will overexert themselves trying to keep you happy if you aren’t careful.

Use Boots in Extreme Weather

Paws do not provide good protection against hot pavement. If it feels hot to your touch, it can burn a paw. Don’t forget that pavement out in the sun can be many times hotter than the air temperature.

Cold sidewalks and snow aren’t as big a worry if you don’t stay out too long, but the salt used to keep sidewalks clear can do a lot of damage. Always boot up when going out in the snow.

Know What Cars Can See

Especially for smaller breeds, remember that it’s much easier for drivers to see a tall person than a small dog or cat below eye level. This is especially true when a car is going through a parking lot or around bushes. Always keep your pet close to you if you need to walk through traffic.

Be a Good Neighbor When Around Others

If someone else is walking their pet, stay beyond leash distance until you have talked to the other owner and you both say it’s OK. You never know how another animal is going to react or if the owner is already working on problem behavior.

The same thing goes for other people. Not everyone wants strange dogs running up to them. Teach your dog not to say hello until you say it’s OK.

Want to see where you can walk your pet or learn about our pet policies? Visit our Cary, NC, apartments today.

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Get Better Sleep in Your Bedroom

Keep It Cool

Experts say the best temperature for the bedroom while sleeping is around 65 degrees. That may seem chilly, but your body will lower its temperature while sleeping anyway, so a too-warm room can interfere with the natural sleep cycle. If you wake up often during the night, try lowering the room’s temperature and sleeping on cooling pillows. You may sleep better when you remove blankets that are too heavy.

Make It Dark

The body’s natural sleep cycles or circadian rhythm is activated by light and dark environments. Make the bedroom as dark as you are comfortable with by using blackout curtains or curtains with liners. Even the light from street lamps is enough to keep some people awake. On the opposite end, when you need to wake up, you should flood the room with natural sunlight for a great start to the day.

The best sleep is had when you remove sources of light pollution from outside, and, if needed, sleep with a very low night light that is placed away from the bed.

Eliminate Tech Gadgets

Make the bedroom a place for sleep and not texting, office work or paying bills. You will be amazed at the sleep sanctuary you can create when you remove the TV, cellphones, laptops and tablets from the bedroom. Instead, opt for reading a novel or listening to soft music before turning out the light for sleep. If you have noise pollution from outside (traffic, garbage trucks, etc.), consider a white noise generator, which makes these ambient sounds less noticeable.

It may take time to adjust, but removing tech gadgets also removes the blue light exposure that is known to keep people awake.

Declutter the Bedroom

You will sleep better in an area that is clear from clutter. It is suggested that you keep the bedroom orderly and pleasant. Consider diffusing your favorite calming scents like lavender, jasmine or frankincense in the air. If your surroundings are chaotic, cramped or unpleasant — your sleep may be affected. Consider keeping the nightstand tidy, storing books and other items in bins underneath the bed, and keeping clothes hung in the closet.

Consider these 17 Proven Tips to Sleep Better offered by Healthline.com.

We welcome you to a peaceful night of relaxing sleep at Audubon Parc apartment home in Cary, NC. Our spacious one-bedroom to three-bedroom apartments are available with lofts or a den to give you that extra space you need to turn your bedroom into an oasis for sleep.

The post Tips For Better Sleep appeared first on Audubon Parc Blog.

Leave Your Pet at Home When You Go Out to Celebrate

Although it may be tempting to take your furry friend along when you attend holiday parades or other outdoor seasonal gatherings, it's best to leave your pet at home. Puppies are often overwhelmed by too much noise and movement, which often causes them to panic, slip out of their collars and run. Many dogs get lost this way every year, and sadly, many of them are never found by their owners, even if they've been micro-chipped.

Create a Quiet Room for Your Pet When You Host Festivities

It's not cruel to create a quiet room for your pup to stay while you're hosting festivities. You may feel as if you're leaving your pet out of the fun, but you're actually protecting it from potentially harmful situations. For instance, with your door opening and closing a lot, your pet may be tempted to bolt. Small puppies also are at risk of being stepped on during seasonal soirees when spirits are high and no one's really paying attention to where they're putting their feet.  

Be Mindful That Many Holiday Foods Are Bad for Dogs

Garlic, onions, chocolate and many other foods associated with holiday feasting are flat-out harmful to dogs. Guests may be tempted to slip your pet a treat, which could end up with you having to cut the festivities short to pay a visit to the local emergency vet. 

We've got several floor plans designed to fit a variety of living situations. Please reach out to us today to find out more. 

The post Your Guide to Surviving the Holiday Season With a New Puppy in the Home appeared first on Audubon Parc Blog.

Use Natural Cleaning Products

Many over-the-counter cleaning products contain harsh chemicals in the form of cleaning agents and fragrances. Because you'll be spending more time indoors as well as most likely keeping your doors and windows closed, that means chemical fumes created by these products will remain in your indoor environment. Using natural cleaning products will help keep toxic compounds out of your indoor air. Most of these are lightly scented with essential oils, but fragrance-free options also exist.

Inspect for Insects

Autumn is the time of year when certain insects start their search for warm, comfortable places to spend the winter. Other insects, such as the common housefly, may be nearing the end of their lifespans and are on the hunt for a place to lay their last batch of eggs. Be particularly vigilant for signs of insects or their eggs when doing deep-cleaning tasks during the autumn season. Most insects prefer dark, cool environments such as under sinks and behind large appliances.

Give In to the Urge to Purge

One of the main advantages of doing a major deep cleaning in spring and again in autumn is that clutter doesn't have a chance to build-up to the extent that it becomes overwhelming. Go with the urge to purge instead of trying to resist — you'll be glad you did, especially when it comes time to do your spring cleaning because there will be that much less clutter to deal with.

We've got spacious floor plans featuring one, two and three bedrooms. Please feel free to give us a call today to find out what's available.

The post It’s Fall Cleaning Time appeared first on Audubon Parc Blog.

Basic Biscuit Recipe 

Makes approximately 24 biscuits.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 stick salted butter

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Add flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.
3. Using a pastry cutter or a fork, cut the butter into the flour until your mixture looks like coarse crumbs. 
4. Add milk and stir until a dough forms. 
5. Pat the dough out to approximately three-quarter-inch thickness.
6. Use a 2-inch round cutter to cut the dough into circles.
7. Place the biscuits with their sides touching on a sheet pan. Refrigerate for approximately 20 minutes.
8. Take biscuits out of the refrigerator and place them in a preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10 to 14 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown on top. 

Elevated Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich

Ingredients:

• Raspberry jam
• 1 slice country ham 
• 1 slice cheddar cheese 
• 1 fried egg

Directions:

1. Slice a biscuit open and spread raspberry jam on the bottom half.
2. Add the ham and the cheese and top with a fried egg. 

Easy BBQ Chicken Biscuit Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded deli rotisserie chicken
• 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Directions: 

1. In a bowl, stir together the chicken and barbecue sauce. 
2. Microwave for about a minute or two to warm up the mixture. Cover the bowl with a paper towel to prevent splatters.
3. Cut a biscuit open and top with a small pile of chicken.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken and cover with the other half of the biscuit.
5. Repeat with the rest of the biscuits until the chicken mixture is completely used. 

Do you love to cook and have been searching for an apartment home with a chic kitchen? Then please come check out our lovely apartments in Cary, North Carolina. They boast black stainless steel appliance packages and beautiful subway tile backsplashes. Our apartment community also features a gorgeous pool.  

The post 2 Delicious Biscuit Sandwiches You’ll Want to Try appeared first on Audubon Parc Blog.

Lawn Games

You may think that living in an apartment in Raleigh makes it tough to play lawn games. If so, you’re thinking too narrowly. Lawn games often see more use in apartment settings specifically because you have more people around to join the game. Whether you’re in the parking lot or a nice grassy area by the lake, you can set up a game and invite the neighbors to join. Games like cornhole, Kubb and Bocce are great for making friends while you're having a drink.

Party Games

There’s no limit to party games. They can involve all of the neighbors or just the couple next door. The point of party games is to get away from boards, structure and the kind of competition that can make people feel petty. Mafia and fishbowl are two of the best in the land, and neither requires you to buy anything. The games are simple, silly and fun, and they’re amazing for getting to know someone new.

Tabletop Games

Lastly, we have tabletop games. They’re ideal for a little fun after dinner or being casual in general. Tabletop games can range from a simple game of playing cards to the intense world building of Warhammer. If there’s a game you particularly enjoy, you should try sharing it with your neighbors. Even if it isn’t their favorite, there’s a good chance they’ll get caught up in your enthusiasm. The whole point of these games is to get people together to have a little fun. Make the most of it.

Of course, you can’t befriend new neighbors until you have new neighbors. That starts by finding the right place to live. When it comes to apartments in Raleigh, you have some good options. Call our offices today and schedule a tour. You may fall in love.

The post The Best Games for Befriending New Neighbors appeared first on Audubon Parc Blog.

1. Focused Breathing

In order to be more effective in any breathing exercise, you must train yourself to learn how to focus on the action itself of breathing. Breath focus is simple and emphasizes body alignment that opens the flow of energy and awareness within the body. Simply close your eyes and breathe deeply several times. With each inhalation, visualize and feel peace and calmness throughout the body and the space surrounding you. Breathe out while releasing any tensions, stressors, and anxieties.

2. Morning Pick-Me-Up Breathing Routine

Get the day started stress-free by engaging in focused breathing while standing. When ready, bend forward at the waist, let arms dangle close to the floor and take a deep breath. Hold a few seconds and then exhale while slowing rolling back to the upward position. Repeat several times, envisioning the release of mental clutter with each motion and the intake of positive energy.

3. Belly-Breathing Techniques

Breathing from the gut is relaxing and can be done on the spot in a time of stress. Sit down in a chair or lie flat, placing one hand on the abdomen beneath the ribs and the other upon the chest. Breath deeply through the nose and feel your hand being pushed out at the abdomen while attempting to feel no motion in the chest. Breathe out through the mouth slowly and notice the internal shift away from anxiety. Belly breathing opens up the lower chakras — or energy centers — that often harbor stress through fight-or-flight responses and emotions.

Looking for Apartments in Cary, North Carolina

Take a deep breath and just give us a call here at Audubon Parc Apartments in Cary to find a wonderful respite both day and night. Be sure to ask about our available floor plans and current specials when scheduling a tour of our relaxing community.

The post Deep Breathing Techniques for Anytime Relaxation appeared first on Audubon Parc Blog.

Beautiful rooms begin with a beautiful foundation, and the right rug can make or break your space. With so many choices available, how can you find the perfect floor covering for your needs?

Choose the Best Look

Area rugs can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your room. If you see a beautiful rug during a shopping excursion, consider holding off on purchasing until you check a few important parameters.

Start by thinking about the color that will work best in the intended location for your rug. If your room includes a narrow color palette — consisting of one main color — you may want a rug that matches. Alternatively, a neutral color may work. If you want a rug with multiple colors or an interesting pattern, choose the rug first, then select complementary furnishings.

Texture also matters when it comes to choosing the perfect area rug. If you plan to mix textures among furniture, throws, pillows, and draperies, look at rugs that offer a contrasting texture. For example, a fluffy rug may pair well with a leather sofa, while seating that uses softer fabrics may look best atop a smoother floor covering.

Get the Size Right

Before buying an area rug, make sure you know the dimensions of your space. As a general rule of thumb, plan to situate your rug at least 6 inches — but preferably no more than 2 feet — from walls.

Area rugs should span your seating area, with all your furniture ideally on top of the rug. If you need to purchase a slightly smaller rug, you can compromise by ensuring that the front legs of your sofa and chairs fit on the rug.

If you plan to use a rug under your dining table, you’ll want to make sure chairs stay on the rug even when pulled away from the table.

At Audubon Parc, you can choose among a variety of floor plans to find the perfect match for your personal style. To learn more, please contact us.

The post Choosing the Right Rugs for Your Space appeared first on Audubon Parc Blog.

Ananda Blasana Pose

Also known as a happy baby pose, this stance literally resembles a baby on the floor with moving arms and legs as if trying to climb into the sky. As you reach the highest point, breath in deeply and hold for 30 seconds. This pose stretches the spine, increases arm strength and soothes the mind.

Dhanurasana Pose

This position calls for one to position the body as if it were a stringed bow ready for action, hence, it’s nickname ‘bow pose.’ This pose stretches the spine and strengthens the shoulders as one holds the position for 30 seconds. It’s a great pose to do on an empty stomach, and it also burns belly fat.

Utkatasana Pose

Known as the chair pose, one simply situates the body as if it’s sitting on an imaginary chair and should be held for a period of up to one minute to stimulate the abdominal organs and tone the leg muscles.

Purvottanasana Pose

This one is called the upward plank pose, so the body is literally taking on the position of a plank in the opposite direction. This beginner yoga asana strengthens the legs and arms while helping alleviate depression and fatigue.

Trikonasana Pose

This a great beginner pose, especially for those undertaking practice first thing in the morning. Trikona means triangle in Sanskrit, so the body takes on the position of an equilateral triangle. Not only does it loosen up the bowels, but it increases the body’s fat-burning abilities to help alleviate weight from the waist and hips.

Find a Home Where Yoga Is an Amenity

You will have a place here to undertake your efforts in our yoga studio. Contact us to learn more about life at Audubon Parc apartments in Cary, and schedule a tour of our rapidly growing ‘zen’ community.

The post The Basics of Zen Yoga appeared first on Audubon Parc Blog.

Decluttering is an excellent way to make the most of your space. If you are living with an excess of kitchen gadgets or a closet full of clothes you never wear, try these tips for getting rid of your clutter.

Donate unneeded items

It’s easier to let go of items when you know they will help someone else. Research local donation options and select the one that works best for you. You could choose a one-organization-takes-all approach and donate to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Or, you could give to organizations looking for specific items, such as charities that collect workwear for job seekers. Some organizations even pick up donations. Knowing you won’t need to load and deliver donations can help you stay motivated, and prescheduling a pickup will help you stick to a deadline.

Work in 15-minute chunks

The idea of decluttering your entire apartment at once can be overwhelming. Rather than focusing on the big picture or spending your weekend sorting and tossing, work on decluttering in 15-minute sections. Choose one small area each day, such as a kitchen cabinet or closet shelf, and devote your attention there. Put away misplaced items, add unneeded items to your donation box and toss items that have outlived their usefulness. Follow the routine for a week and you are sure to see a difference.

Set criteria

Set yourself up for success by establishing criteria for items you want to keep or donate before you start decluttering. Donate anything you have duplicates of or that you haven’t used in the past year. Donate clothing that doesn't fit, isn't flattering, you don’t wear regularly or that doesn't make you feel confident. Anything that is damaged or past its prime should be thrown away.

Keep the memories, not the clutter

Saying goodbye to sentimental items can be difficult. To keep the memories while freeing up space, take digital photos of the items and then focus on how your past can help someone else’s future.

Whether your apartment is perfectly decluttered or if you feel more comfortable hanging on to sentimental items, sometimes you just need a little more room. If you are looking for Cary apartments with ample storage space, check out the floor plans at Audubon Parc Apartments.

The post Easy Ways to Clear the Clutter appeared first on Audubon Parc Blog.